Norway parliament probes Epstein links to politicians, diplomats

Norway's parliament has launched public hearings on Wednesday, investigating the connections between late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Norwegian diplomats and politicians. The scandal has shaken the nation's elite, prompting parliamentary inquiries and police investigations. The United States Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents in January, exposing links to politicians, royals, and the ultra-rich worldwide.

Norway, home to the Nobel Peace Prize and a hub for international diplomacy, has experienced significant repercussions, leading to calls for the government to restore trust in the foreign service, according to Jonas Andersen Sayed, the leader of the hearing at parliament's Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs. The committee has summoned 11 current and former foreign and development ministers, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who denied any relationship with Epstein.

Boerge Brende, a former foreign minister and CEO of the World Economic Forum, resigned after being associated with Epstein, stating he was unaware of his past and criminal activities. Erik Solheim, another former development minister, criticized the probe, claiming it would hinder the foreign service and harm the nation. While not appearing before parliament, other prominent Norwegians, such as former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, former Minister Terje Roed-Larsen, and ex-diplomat Mona Juul, are under police investigation for corruption allegations.

Queen Mette-Marit, wife of King Haakon, has apologized for her friendship with Epstein but is not subject to the hearing. Parliament has also established an external commission of academics and legal experts to investigate matters revealed by the documents, with a goal of enhancing the integrity and transparency of Norwegian authorities.

This nine-person commission will present its findings in early 2028, marking the ninth such group appointed by parliament in the last 140 years.